Issue - decisions

TEST QUESTION

13/12/2018 - QUESTION BY COUNCILLOR WILLIAM POWELL

“Please explain in particular how you hold the Chief Constable to account in relation to Serious & Organised Crime, Counter terrorism, special operations and covert surveillance activities”

 

The Commissioner reported that the Home Office recently launched a Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, which forms the basis for holding the Chief Constable to account on these matters. He noted having recently reviewed the Force Control Strategy for Serious and Organised Crime, in particular regarding Class A drugs. He announced that, in response to community concerns across the Dyfed-Powys area, the issue of Class A drugs will be scrutinised in detail in an upcoming Deep Dive Report. The Commissioner emphasised that he and the Chief Constable are involved in collaborative initiatives on serious and organised crime with forces across Wales and England, such as the All Wales Policing Group, the Joint Firearms Unit and fortnightly Policing Board meetings. With regard to covert surveillance, the Commissioner explained that his oversight of the Chief Constable to relies on the Covert Surveillance Authority’s annual inspections of the Force. He commented that the most recent inspection report from April 2018 emphasised the Force’s high compliance and made only minor recommendations.

 

In response to a Panel question, the Commissioner clarified that his Office does not have formal responsibility for recruiting Deputy and Assistant Chief Constables. He reported declining the Chief Constable’s offer to be involved in the process. However, the Commissioner’s Chief of Staff was involved in the recruitment of the Deputy Chief Constable.

 

A member positively mentioned a Dyfed-Powys Police presentation on county lines and encouraged that the Panel receive the materials for information. The Commissioner emphasised that county lines is a key issue and offered providing the materials to the Panel.

 

In response to a question on the Force’s IT resilience, the Commissioner stated that the importance of the issue is reflected in significant IT expenses. He also pointed out his membership of the National Digital Policing Board and the Police ICT Board, which work collaboratively across Wales and England.

 

Regarding the risks of a no-deal Brexit, the Commissioner reported holding the Chief Constable to account ‘in readiness.’ He remarked that the Force is undertaking preparatory work in collaboration with partner agencies such as local resilience fora. He also pointed out that the Force will have access to a member of the All Wales Brexit team.

 


 

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